SCISSOR GUARD 1940

Alexander Calder made this “Scissor Guard” from a single piece of wire, probably in the mid-20th century. Just imagine Calder bending and shaping this wire into a playful, squiggly form. He coils one end into a tight spiral. It makes me think of the focused energy of an artist starting a new project. The wire then zigzags and loops in a jaunty rhythm like a musical score, or maybe a heartbeat. It’s so light and airy, but has this solid, grounded presence. This reminds me that constraint can be liberating, as the artist works within the confines of the material to find an unexpected form. It’s all about embracing limitations and finding the possibilities within. Calder’s wire sculptures remind me of other artists who work with line: think of the calligraphic brushstrokes of Cy Twombly. Artists are always riffing off each other, you know? They’re having this ongoing conversation across time. And, for me, that’s what art’s all about – a joyful exchange of ideas.